What Is "Real Time" and How Does It Apply to Data Recovery?

BURBANK, CA--(Marketwire - June 17, 2008) - When it comes to computing, "real time" has
several definitions. It can mean a process that projects a hypothetical
event, such as a rocket launch, as it would occur in real time; such data
could be used to project consequences or results. It can also mean an
application considered to be "mission critical"; that is, it must complete
before a stated deadline, or else to be considered to have failed. An
example of this second definition is the computer operation of anti-lock
breaks in automobiles -- there is a short time during emergency braking in
which the brakes must be released to prevent wheel locking.

That second definition of "real time" could also be applied to an
application such as data protection. Most data protection schemes, such as
backups, are non-real-time. While data is protected weekly or every several
days when backups occur, data is not always protected. For example, if a
file is lost between backups that did not exist at the last backup, that
file is lost forever and must be reconstructed. Or, if it has been
substantially modified since the last backup, considerable time and effort
has to go into redoing those modifications.

Real time data protection could certainly be considered to be "mission
critical." While a call to the help desk of "Help! I've accidentally
deleted my file!" can seem simply annoying, it moves quickly outside that
category when it's revealed that the file was a report that is vitally
needed for a client presentation and that it's going to take several hours
for IT personnel to search through backups for the last saved version.
Accidental file deletions can cost companies thousands or even tens of
thousands in lost income, depending on the situation.

A real time data protection solution is exactly that: it allows real time
recovery, with an instant click of the mouse, of any accidentally deleted
file. While the Windows Recycle Bin will allow recovery of any file saved
on a local hard drive, it will not recover files saved across a network to
a server -- as most files are in today's enterprises. Real time data
protection replaces the Windows Recycle Bin with one of its own, allowing
recovery of files even if they were saved across a network.

This relatively small investment in the latest "real time" solution will
save a company tremendously in lost time and money.